It’s been a big couple of years for marijuana legalization efforts around the country, with states like Colorado and Washington legalizing the recreational use of cannabis.

Here in Missouri, Rep. Chris Kelly (D-Columbia) introduced a bill in January that, if passed, would create a legal framework to grow and possess marijuana in Missouri.

Kelly admits that it’s unlikely to pass this session, but he hopes the bill will start a conversation about what the legalization marijuana could mean for Missouri. He also thinks the legislature may only have a couple of years before the issue shows up on a statewide ballot through an initiative petition

Panelists

Chris Kelly is serving his ninth term in the Missouri House as a Democratic Representative.

John Schultz is the Chairman of the Boone County Libertarian Party.

Karen O’Keefe is the Director of State Policy at the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington, D.C